Still More Twitter Gems

Posted by TeamCharlie on January 29, 2009 under Gabe's Twitter Gems, Social Media, Twitter | Be the First to Comment

Twitter Gem #6 Let’s Keep it Clean

As always, I might be faced with arguments on this one. But after all, isn’t that what discussion and debate is all about?  Twitter is a very public place.  It is similar to being in a VERY crowded ampitheater. The only difference is when we speak, EVERYONE cam hear us if they choose to.  So, if you are at a networking party, would you stand up on a table and yell out profanities?  In my mind it is the same if you utter them on Twitter.  If your goal is to cultivate business relationships (let’s face it – most of us on Twitter are attempting to do just that) then act like it.  I am no prude, but I certainly don’t use vulgar or offensive language at networking parties with people I just met.  So please keep that in mind.  Also think about my daughter who comes in my office regularly and has a 10-year-old’s curiosity as to what’s on my screen each time she visits.  It’s just about being civil and polite.

Twitter Gem #7 – Don’t Be Political

If you are trying to cultivate a business relationship with someone, the worst thing you can do is crack an Obama or Bush joke.  You have a 50/50 chance of losing that relationship.  Why anyone would cut out half their potential network base is beyond me.  There is a store in our local town that is quite popular. He has just brought his store online so that now the masses can purchase his goods.  He has a blog of his attached to the store’s site that rants on Bush and uses quite a bit of profanity.  This makes absolutely no sense to me.

Twitter Gem #8  Retweets are Great but Only if they are Meaningful

You will hear over and over again from experienced “Twitterers” that the best way to “share the love” is to retweet someone else’s anecdote.  I retweet things that reach out to me.  They might be quotations, humorous quips or tidbits of good infromation but I do not retweet because I was simply asked to.  That gives my tweets more credibility in my eyes.

Twitter Gem #9  Not Everyone is Into You

There are several Twitter tools out there to show you what causes you to be “unfollowed”.  Which tweet was it that offended or bored someone so much that they unfollowed you?  I use none of these tools.  I notice sometimes that I have a bunch of new followers, then a few moments later half of them are gone.  Part of the reason for this is because Twitter will not allow the number of followers to be that much lower than the number the person follows.  This supposedly cuts down on spam.  What the spammers do is follow someone with the hopes of an automatic or quick follow.  Then they unfollow so they can follow someone else.  I could care less about these “followers”.  Other people might not care about what you have to say <period>.  Shocking isn’t it?  But certainly nothing to worry about.  Twitter is about making connections with people who do care about what you have to say, and vice versa.

Twitter Gem #10  Brand Yourself

This one is really interesting to me.  I’ve heard many people say not to hide your persona on Twitter.  A very well respected source has said she would rather see a person’s face as an image as opposed to a logo.  I agree with this in most cases, except for mine.  Not that I’m hard to look at or anything, as a matter of fact in my day I was quite the catch with the ladies. ;)  It’s just that I have branded myself with my dog’s image for years.  Although I am still quite a handsome guy, he’s better looking than me and attracts more people.  So my @TeamCharlie account uses him.  I think this is a way of showcasing that part of my personality first.  My @KidsAreHeroes identity uses the picture my daughter drew of herself on the globe – it is part of the Kids Are Heroes logo.  I think it conveys better what this Twitter account is trying to promote.  Now I make no effort to hide my real name in any way and I believe this is important.  When people click on my blog links they will indeed see the “full monty” as it were (although I assure you I am always fully clothed.)  I think arguments could be made both ways, so think about what is best for you.

In my next session about Twitter I will try and bring you opinions only of those that have more experience than I. Happy Tweeting!!